Recognizing Environmental

Hazards
There are hundreds of thousands of chemicals produced, stored, transported
or used annually. Industrial sites using these chemicals consist of process
machinery, transporting equipment, structures and conditions that may also be
inherently hazardous. Your very survival may depend upon your ability to
recognize and compensate for these hazards.

Chemical Hazards
Chemicals may be solids, liquids or gaseous. Chemical exposures are either
chronic or acute. Exposure may be direct or indirect. Reactions may be
immediate or require long periods of time to manifest themselves as with
carcinogens. You must not depend upon your senses to warn you of exposure.
Your reactions may not be quick enough to prevent injury of even death.

Flammable and Explosive Hazards

Fire may result from chemical reactions such as nitric acid and wood, sodium
and water, aluminum powder and iron oxide, gunpowder and an ignition
source. Ignition sources may come into contact with uncontrolled off gassing,
routine process vapors, peroxides of ether or other changes in the chemical
reactivity of chemicals as they age (as routinely found in chemical storage).
Ignition may result because of oxygen enrichment. Ignition may result from
shock to chemicals like nitrogen triodide, picric acid or nitroglycerin. Changes
in temperature may cause chemicals to boil causing a Boiling Liquid Expanding
Vapor Explosion (BLEVE) similar to some bombs used in the Gulf War.

Radiological Hazards
Sources may present external or internal danger. Some common sources are
medical equipment, radioactive wastes from medical facilities, X-ray
equipment, some electronic equipment, and even smoke detectors. Generally
the greater the radiological hazard the more likely there will be obvious means
to identify it through markers, labels or through detection equipment.

Biological Hazards
These are among the most common hazards and consists of micro and macro-
biological sources. Microbiological sources include viruses, bacteria and
parasites. Macro-biological sources include things like spiders, guard dogs,
snakes, and insects. Biohazards also include botanical sources such as
poisonous plants and allergic reactions caused by pollen.

Physical Hazards
These include things that cut or crush you, things that you might trip over or fall
into or slip on. It also includes extremely high or low temperatures, dry or
humid atmospheres, poor lighting, and excessive noise. It includes
circumstances where your senses are impaired such, as poor hearing because
of hearing protection or an inability to communicate by voice because of
excessive noise. It may mean impaired visibility from a full-face respirator.
Bulky protective clothing may make it difficult to move around in tight spaces.
Protective clothing may be a hazard because it is too hot, heavy, or too bulky.
There is a fine line between paranoia and prudent caution but in the end it is
better to be cautious. A thorough and comprehensive understanding of real
and potential hazards is best achieved by having a safety conscious attitude at
all times.

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 Clues that there is a Hazard Present
Here are some clues to help you decide that there is/are hazard(s) present:
· Container shape may indicate the nature of its contents
· Location and/or how it is being used is a clue
· Markings or color may indicate what it is
· Placards or labels are required, but may not be there
· Always considering it hazardous until proven safe
· Documentation like shipping papers or manifests may help
· Paying attention to your senses
· Focusing so closely that you fail to notice a smell, sound, or visual clue

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